Given that obesity is one of the biggest health problems globally, many studies focus on factors that cause it and strategies to prevent or treat obesity. Here are the five most common causes of obesity.
- Genetics
Although obesity is not entirely genetically determined, it does have a strong genetic component. Research suggests that approximately three-quarters of overweight risk in children can be attributed to hereditary factors, while only one third comes from environmental factors.
- Sedentary Lifestyle
Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are strongly correlated with weight gain and obesity. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle burn fewer calories than active individuals. Physical inactivity is also associated with chronic diseases that increase the risk of mortality, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
- Poor Diet and Unhealthy Eating Habits
The energy value of food is measured in calories. Obesity develops gradually as a result of poor diet and unhealthy eating habits. People whose diet contains heavily processed high-calorie foods with little to nutritious value are at greater risk of developing obesity.
- Certain Medications
Many medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics can cause weight gain as a side effect
- Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
